Our orders are delivered strictly on time without delay 
Discuss an EBP initiative that was implemented in a health care setting (use fictitious names for people and places) and whether it was successful or not sustainable, with rationale. Choose one of four models of organizational change (Melnyk [2019], Chap. 15, pp. 432-437) that you would use in an advanced nursing role to enhance sustainability of EBP initiatives.
Sample Answer
Implementing an EBP Initiative in a Health Care Setting: A Case Study
Introduction
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a crucial aspect of healthcare that ensures patient care is based on the most current and reliable evidence available. Implementing an EBP initiative in a healthcare setting requires careful planning, execution, and evaluation. In this essay, we will discuss a fictitious EBP initiative implemented at St. John’s Hospital and analyze its success and sustainability. Furthermore, we will explore the application of the Model for Improvement, one of the four models of organizational change, to enhance the sustainability of EBP initiatives.
The EBP Initiative at St. John’s Hospital
St. John’s Hospital, a large urban healthcare facility, recognized the need to improve patient outcomes in the area of pressure ulcer prevention. With a dedicated team of nurses, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals, an EBP initiative was developed to implement evidence-based strategies for pressure ulcer prevention.
The initiative involved a comprehensive approach that included staff education on best practices for pressure ulcer prevention, the implementation of standardized protocols for risk assessment and prevention interventions, and the use of advanced technology such as pressure redistribution mattresses and patient turning schedules. The initiative aimed to reduce pressure ulcer incidence rates by 50% within one year.
Success of the EBP Initiative
The EBP initiative at St. John’s Hospital achieved significant success in improving patient outcomes related to pressure ulcer prevention. Within six months of implementation, the hospital saw a 40% reduction in pressure ulcer incidence rates. This reduction was sustained throughout the one-year evaluation period, ultimately reaching a 55% reduction at the end of the study.
The success of the EBP initiative can be attributed to several factors. First, the interdisciplinary team involved in the project ensured that multiple perspectives and expertise were considered during the planning and implementation phases. This collaborative approach fostered buy-in from all stakeholders and increased the likelihood of successful implementation.
Secondly, the initiative included comprehensive staff education on best practices for pressure ulcer prevention. By providing healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement evidence-based strategies, the chances of successful implementation were greatly enhanced.
Finally, continuous monitoring and evaluation were integral to the success of the initiative. Regular data collection allowed for ongoing assessment of progress and identification of areas requiring improvement. This iterative approach ensured that interventions could be modified as needed to achieve optimal results.
Sustainability of the EBP Initiative
While the EBP initiative at St. John’s Hospital was successful in achieving its intended outcomes, concerns regarding its long-term sustainability exist. To address these concerns and enhance sustainability, the Model for Improvement can be applied in an advanced nursing role.
The Model for Improvement is a systematic approach that involves three key questions: What are we trying to accomplish? How will we know that a change is an improvement? What changes can we make that will result in improvement? By answering these questions, healthcare professionals can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to sustain positive changes in practice.
In the case of the EBP initiative at St. John’s Hospital, applying the Model for Improvement would involve assessing the current state of pressure ulcer prevention practices and identifying areas for further improvement. This could include addressing barriers to implementation, enhancing staff engagement and education, and exploring innovative technologies or interventions to further reduce pressure ulcer incidence rates.
Additionally, ongoing monitoring and evaluation would be essential to sustaining the positive changes achieved through the EBP initiative. Regular data collection and analysis would allow for identification of any deviations from desired outcomes and prompt corrective action.
By utilizing the Model for Improvement, advanced nursing roles can ensure that EBP initiatives are continuously evaluated, adapted, and sustained over time. This approach promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement within healthcare organizations, leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced sustainability of EBP initiatives.
Conclusion
Implementing an EBP initiative in a healthcare setting requires careful planning, execution, and evaluation. The fictitious case study at St. John’s Hospital demonstrated the successful implementation of an EBP initiative focused on pressure ulcer prevention. The project achieved significant reductions in pressure ulcer incidence rates through interdisciplinary collaboration, staff education, and continuous monitoring.
To enhance sustainability, advanced nursing roles can apply the Model for Improvement. By utilizing this systematic approach, healthcare professionals can identify areas for improvement, develop strategies to sustain positive changes, and promote a culture of continuous quality improvement within healthcare organizations. Through these efforts, EBP initiatives can be effectively implemented and sustained, leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced quality of care.
